Torus Robotics Secures $470,000 Seed Investment for Advanced EV Powertrain Technology
- By MT Bureau
- February 08, 2024
Torus Robotics Pvt Ltd, a startup focusing on advanced powertrain technology for electric vehicles (EVs), defence, aviation, and consumer markets, has secured a seed investment of USD 4,70,000.
The funding was led by Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation (TNIFMC) as part of the Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF). Other investors include Forge Innovation & Ventures from Coimbatore and SINE (Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship) IIT Bombay.
The investment will be used to expand Torus Robotics’ research and development efforts and swiftly bring their innovative technologies from the lab to the market. The company plans to use the funds for innovation, growth, and other critical business aspects. Torus Robotics aims to revolutionise the electric mobility landscape by making EVs faster, more efficient, and more affordable with their products.
“Torus’s unique approach in the development of axial flux motors aligns with TNIFMC’s commitment to fostering innovation/R&D in the state and investing in groundbreaking technologies that can be commercialised at scale. This partnership is strategically crafted to expedite Torus’s commercialisation initiatives and spearhead the widespread integration of axial flux technology in the electric mobility sector,” Karthic Ramamoorthy from Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund said.
Speaking on the announcement, Vibhakar Senthil, Co-Founder of Torus Robotics, shared, “This funding will empower us to invest in R&D and introduce new products that can meet the changing needs of customers in the EV automotive space. Our unwavering commitment to revolutionise electric mobility remains strong, and we are optimistic about the opportunities lying ahead of us.”
Founded in 2019 in Chennai by Vignesh M, Vibhakar Senthil, and Abbhi Vignesh K, Torus Robotics aims to reduce the reliance on imported powertrain components for EVs, such as motors and controllers. They focus on advancing Axial Flux Motors and controllers, offering locally sourced products that are lighter, more efficient, and cost-effective compared to conventional options.
Torus Robotics has also secured funding through the FLCTD program by UNIDO, with validation from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). They have received support from Startup TN, the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute - Tamil Nadu (EDII-TN), and central and state governments.
Beyond the EV market, Torus Robotics is exploring opportunities in industries like power generation, robotics, and others. Their versatile technology has the potential to transform various sectors, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability.
Tata Motors Partners UCO Bank For Commercial Vehicle Financing
- By MT Bureau
- July 14, 2026
Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UCO Bank for financing solutions.
Through this collaboration, customers will have access to interest rates, loan approvals and processing. The agreement includes loan-to-value funding options and repayment tenures. The partners will coordinate across branches and dealerships to reach customers in urban and rural markets.
Shashikant Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head – Mumbai, UCO Bank, said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited marks another significant milestone in UCO Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative and customer centric financing solutions. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to provide seamless, competitive and timely financing for TATA Motors commercial vehicles, enabling entrepreneurs, fleet operators and businesses to expand with confidence.”
Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with UCO Bank to further strengthen the financing ecosystem for our commercial vehicle customers. Access to organised and competitive financing is a key enabler for our customers' growth, and UCO Bank's strong nationwide presence makes them an ideal partner in this endeavour. This MoU reinforces our commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions, from world-class vehicles to organised financing that empower our customers to grow their businesses with greater confidence and convenience.”
At present, Tata Motors’ product portfolio ranges from 1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions. The company provides services through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative, the Fleet Edge platform and a network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints.
Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper Coach Launched At Prawaas 5.0
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
Volvo Buses India, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles, has unveiled the Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper coach at the Prawaas 5.0 exhibition in Gandhinagar. It is designed to combine seating and sleeper configurations in a single platform for intercity, tourism and pilgrimage routes.
The 15-metre coach accommodates 51 passengers, featuring 24 upper-deck sleeper berths and 27 lower-deck seats equipped with calf support. It is powered by the Volvo VEDX8 engine and utilises an I-shift transmission. The interior includes an integrated kitchenette, an onboard toilet, mobile charging points and entertainment systems.
S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “India's bus industry is evolving rapidly, with rising passenger expectations for premium travel experiences and operators seeking higher productivity and operational efficiency. At Volvo Buses India, we continue to shape the future of mobility by combining globally proven engineering with innovations that address evolving needs of the Indian market. The Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper expands our premium coach portfolio with a flexible solution that meets customer expectations for safety, comfort and luxury."
Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice-President – Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, added, "The Volvo 9600 platform has been widely appreciated for setting new standards in luxury, safety and passenger comfort. Building on that success, we are introducing the Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper to meet the growing demand for more flexible premium travel solutions. Featuring 24 upper sleeper berths and 27 premium lower-deck seats with calf support, the new coach enables operators to efficiently cater to both short- and long-distance routes while delivering an elevated travel experience for passengers."
The vehicle introduces safety features, including a 360-degree camera system and camera-based electronic rear-view mirrors. It also includes a tyre pressure monitoring system, a driver state monitoring system to detect fatigue and an alcohol interlock system. The coach is equipped with a telematics solution for real-time monitoring of vehicle location, performance and fuel consumption.
- Prawaas 5.0
- Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India
- BOCI
- Tata Motors
- VE Commercial Vehicles
- Daimler
- JBM
- Force Motors
- EKA Mobility
- Switch Mobility
- Sun Mobility
Prawaas 5.0 Exhibition Opens In Gandhinagar
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
The Prawaas 5.0 exhibition, an event focused on the public transport industry, has opened at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Scheduled from 9–11 July 2026, the exhibition is organised by the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) to coincide with its 10th anniversary.
The event, held under the theme ‘Towards Safe, Smart & Sustainable Passenger Mobility,’ brings together manufacturers, technology providers, and operators. Exhibitors include companies such as Tata Motors, VE Commercial Vehicles, Daimler, JBM, Force Motors, EKA Mobility, Switch Mobility and Sun Mobility, among others.
The exhibition showcases a range of technologies and solutions across the transport value chain, including electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, fleet management systems and digital platforms. The event aims to serve as a platform for industry stakeholders, including fleet owners, state transport undertakings and policymakers, to discuss developments in the sector.
The inauguration was led by Miraben Patel, Mayor of Gandhinagar and Kaushik Jain, MLA of Dariapur. Over the three-day programme, the exhibition will host product launches, conferences and business meetings intended to facilitate collaboration within the passenger transport sector.
SWITCH Mobility Unveils EiV9 Electric Bus At Prawaas 5.0
- By MT Bureau
- July 09, 2026
SWITCH Mobility has introduced the SWITCH EiV9, a 9-metre electric bus, at the Prawaas 5.0 exhibition in Gandhinagar. The e-bus is designed for city transit, employee transportation, and school mobility.
It uses a Permanent Magnet Variable Reluctance (PMVR) motor that provides 213 kW of peak power. The Switch EiV9 features battery pack options, regenerative braking and dual-gun CCS2 charging. Safety features include a Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS) and disc brakes on the front and rear axles. The passenger cabin is equipped with air suspension, seating and USB charging points.
Ganesh Mani, CEO, Switch Mobility, said, "The launch of the all-new Switch EiV9 marks an important milestone in our growth journey as we strengthen our presence across key public and institutional mobility segments. We see strong momentum in this category, with the 9m electric bus market expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 34% by FY30, driven by increasing demand. The EiV9 has been purpose-built to deliver what operators value most: higher efficiency, superior passenger comfort, advanced safety and lower operating costs. It represents our commitment to developing solutions that not only accelerate the adoption of electric mobility but also create tangible business value for our customers. At Switch Mobility, we believe the transition to cleaner transportation will be driven by practical choices that make both environmental and economic sense. This philosophy is reflected in our new #SwitchKaro campaign, which encourages fleet operators and businesses to make the switch to smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions."

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